The module-level power electronics industry is witnessing an intense growth phase. Demand is driven by increasing solar photovoltaic (PV) installations across the globe and modernization of grid infrastructure capable of accommodating module-level power electronics (MLPE) technology within the system.

Example of MLPE — APsystems microinverter

“With movement towards renewable power and distributed power sources, the MLPE market is expected to sustain further significant growth in all regions of the globe,” said Energy & Environment Research Analyst Manoj Shankar. “To gain a competitive advantage and increase market share in a highly consolidated and fiercely competitive market, MLPE companies must innovate their products to reduce prices, seek geographic expansion, and invest in partnerships or merger and acquisition strategies.”

Global Module Power Electronics (MLPE) Market, part of Frost & Sullivan’s Power Generation Growth Partnership Service (GPS) program, finds that the market is expected to grow from $648.7 million in 2016 to $1.16 billion in 2021 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.4 percent.

Other developments include:

• The residential and commercial segments will see rapid growth in the next three years due to new installations and low product prices.

• Rising installations of rooftop solar in Asia-Pacific, especially in China and India, will see the market moving towards Asia-Pacific from North America.

• Reduced MLPE costs will lead to a higher adoption in many developed and developing nations.

• Changes in government policy will aid the solar industry in new markets such as Latin America and Africa.

• The total MW-level MLPE installations are expected to increase from 3.3 GW in 2016 to 10.7 GW in 2021 at a CAGR of 26.2 percent.

• Enphase Energy and Solar Edge Technology Inc are the two major players that dominate the market due to their early mover advantage.

• Prices of microinverters and DC optimizers are expected to be on par in the near future with traditional inverters, leading to higher adoption by consumers.

• Competition from other technologies, increased usage of other sources of power, lack of protocol standards, and regulations and tariffs are key factors that are hindering growth in the market.

“Renewable energy targets and regulations are set to play a major role in the development of the MLPE market as countries move towards more efficient and sustainable power generation,” noted Shankar.